
BENGHAZI, LIBYA 5/31/2011 -- Continuing with our coverage of improvised weapons in the Libyan civil war, this week Alive in Libya looks at the modified GRAD rocket launchers in use by rebel forces. Originally designed by the Soviet military, GRAD launchers have around 30 cylinders for rockets mounted on heavy trucks. Rebels will find damaged or destroyed launchers belonging to Gaddafi forces and salvage or repair them, putting them back into service. The rebels take the 30 cylinder launchers and cut them down to 4, then mount them on their own cars and trucks using trusses designed for anti-aircraft weapons. Each launcher has 3 supporting units; a scout for locating targets, an engineer to calculate the firing angle, and a driver to operate the vehicle itself. The GRAD launchers used by the rebels are capable of firing two different types of rockets, varying in range from 20km to 40km (12 - 25 miles). Use of the launchers is controversial under international law, as the weapon system is far from precise. While GRAD systems are not officially banned, their use may still violate international law if used outside the principals of distinction and proportionality. For example, the Gaddafi regime has previously come under heavy criticism for deploying GRAD rockets against civilian targets in Misrata, Ajdabiya, and elsewhere. In today's episode, Alive in Libya headed out to the front lines to speak with the driver of one of these modified GRAD launchers, to find out how they <b>...</b>
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